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Ruutu Re-Ups For Two Years

With time ticking down to the start of training camp, the Blackhawks finalized an agreement with winger Tuomo Ruutu Wednesday night.

The Hawks re-signed Ruutu to a two-year deal, general manager Dale Tallon told chicagoblackhawks.com. Ruutu is expected to arrive in Chicago Thursday.

"We are extremely happy to have Ruutu back in the fold," said Tallon. "Ruutu is an outstanding talent and will be a big part of what we are building here with the Blackhawks. He is a highly skilled player who also brings a physical element to his game."

The 9th overall pick in the 2001 Entry Draft, Ruutu was the lone Blackhawk restricted free agent left to be signed and has been penciled in for a spot on the club's revamped top line with new additions Martin Havlat and Michal Handzus.

Ruutu played in just 15 games last season due to early back trouble and then an ankle injury. He had two goals and three assists. He appeared in all 82 games his rookie season, scoring 23 goals and 44 points.